A MEMBER of staff at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has thanked patients and the public for their support after a bomb scare this morning.

Steve Bush has spoken after a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of firearms and explosives offences, after being found in possession of a suspected firearm and a suspicious device at St James’s Hospital.

The incident saw the bomb squad called, and some patients had to be evacuated.

READ MORE: Hospital bomb scare: Arrested man, 27, had suspected firearm

Mr Bush, Medical Director (Operations), at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The critical incident at St James’s Hospital has been stood down. Police and specialist services remain on site as the investigation is ongoing.

"We'd like to thank our patients and the public for their patience and understanding during this matter. We want to wholeheartedly thank our staff and the emergency services for their dedication and commitment to ensure we have been able to keep everyone safe.

"Patients who were evacuated are being moved back to their wards. It may be some time before we are back to business as usual in these areas, so please bear with us.

"Our patient helpline has been stood down and visiting has resumed as normal across Gledhow wing and Lincoln wing.

"Unfortunately, some patient appointments were cancelled as a result of today's incident and we would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused - these will be rearranged as soon as possible.

"A cordon remains in place outside Gledhow wing whilst the police investigation continues, but has now been reduced to allow greater access to the hospital.

“The front entrance to Gledhow wing will remain closed for the rest of the day so please continue to use alternative entrances through Alma Street (Bexley wing entrance) or Gledhow Road.”